On Your etrailer Hitch for My 2025 Subaru Outback Why do I Need the Carriage Bolt Through the Frame?
Updated 04/10/2025 | Published 04/08/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Good day. I will be purchasing my second hitch from etrailer as I am getting a new 25 Subaru Outback. I installed my previous hitch on a Chevy Equinox and all went well. I watched the installation video for this e25TR and I just do not understand the purpose of the carriage bolt thru the frame starting around 6:20 in the video. Seems like all the bolts holding the hitch on are thru the bumper. What am I missing here? Thanks,
asked by: Stanley B
Expert Reply:
Hello Stanley,
Congrats on the new 2025 Subaru Outback! What is your favorite new feature?
I watched the video and see the bolts you are referring to. I get what you are saying, seems a little excessive to have the bolts thru the bumper, and underneath as well. That carriage bolt you saw in the video helps anchor the side arm of the hitch to the frame for extra stability. While most of the hitch is secured to the bumper beam, this bolt keeps things from flexing or shifting side-to-side, especially when towing or carrying a bike rack. It’s just there to add strength and peace of mind, making sure your hitch stays rock solid for the long haul!
Did you need wiring for the Outback as well? If so, I would go with the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56040. This will give you a 4 flat on the back for light towing, or a hitch mounted accessory. Don't forget a no drill bracket set for a clean looking install, you will need a # 18140 and # C42CR.
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Search Results: accessories and parts
- Search Results: fishing wire
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: t1028
- Search Results: trim panel tool
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: Installing the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2025 Subaru Forester
- Video: Let’s Check Out the No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket
- Shop: Blue Ox Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: How to Install the etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch - 2025 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Search Results: hopkins custom fit vehicle wiring
- Q&A: Recommended 2020 Subaru Outback Trailer Hitch Receiver and 7-Way Plug With Brake Controller
- Shop: Side Window Vents
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Receiver With Best Ground Clearance For a 2024 Subaru Outback
- Shop: Curt Fish Wire Bolt Leader - 7/16"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Video: Let’s Check Out the No-Drill Mount Bracket, Long
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2024 Subaru Forester
- Video: Set up: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2024 Subaru Forester
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2024 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: Difference Between etrailer and Curt Hitch for 2024 Subaru Outback
- Q&A: Comparing the etrailer and Curt Hitch for a 2023 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2025 Subaru Outback
- Q&A: Differences in the Draw-Tite and etrailer Hitches for a 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness
on Trailer Hitch
Stanley
4/10/2025
Thanks Kate. After looking more closely at the picture of the hitch, I see the extender piece that will get bolted to the frame. In the video, the hitch is not there when that frame bolt is being put in - seems clear now. Haven't gotten the car yet, still a few weeks out. You'll be hearing from me soon. Thanks again.